Chinese medicine: from rural hospitals to top three hospitals in Kyoto

Chapter 1282 Thematic Seminar (Part 2)

The third group's topic was "Exploring the Integration Model of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine," and Xia Hongliang gave a speech.

Xia Hongliang showed the medical records taken at Fenghai Central Hospital.

"This patient with advanced liver cancer was beyond the reach of Western medicine, but through integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine treatment, he achieved a quality life with the tumor. This is not an isolated case; we have seen similar cases in many places."

"We analyzed several current models of integrating traditional Chinese and Western medicine."

Xia Hongliang said: "One is a simple combination of 'traditional Chinese medicine + Western medicine,' which often has limited effect or even produces adverse reactions; another is 'Western medicine as the main treatment and traditional Chinese medicine as the auxiliary treatment,' where traditional Chinese medicine only plays an auxiliary role in conditioning; and the third is a true 'combination'—flexibly selecting the optimal treatment plan according to different stages of the disease and the patient's specific condition."

"We believe that the true integration of traditional Chinese and Western medicine is not a fusion of concepts, but a superposition of forms."

Xia Hongliang said, "Traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine are fundamentally different systems. Forcing their integration is unrealistic. The collaboration can involve establishing multidisciplinary teams where TCM and Western medicine doctors can discuss cases and develop treatment plans together, rather than applying TCM methods using Western medicine approaches."

"At the new campus of Kyoto International Medical Center, we propose to establish a 'Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Collaborative Treatment Center' to explore this model."

The fourth group's topic was "Training and Continuing Education of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners," presented by Zeng Yunhui.

Zeng Yunhui's main research focused on the needs of young doctors.

“We surveyed the continuing education of TCM doctors in various regions and found that there is a common problem of ‘emphasizing theory over practice’ and ‘emphasizing form over effectiveness.’ Many training programs are merely formalities, and doctors are not learning anything truly useful.”

As he spoke, Zeng Yunhui showed the results of a questionnaire survey of the trainees: 100% of the trainees thought the training was "very useful", and 92% of the trainees thought that "the biggest gain was broadening their horizons and understanding the real ecology of traditional Chinese medicine".

"We suggest reforming the continuing education model for traditional Chinese medicine practitioners."

Zeng Yunhui said, "First, increase the proportion of practical training to bring doctors back to clinical practice; second, establish a 'mentorship system' to allow young doctors to learn from renowned doctors; third, organize cross-regional exchanges to let doctors see different treatment models; and fourth, utilize modern information technology to establish a remote teaching and case discussion platform."

The presentations from the four groups lasted the entire afternoon, with each presentation featuring detailed data, vivid case studies, and specific recommendations.

Shen Yuntao listened attentively throughout, occasionally exchanging whispered conversations with Wen Xiuping and Chu Yiyun.

After the report, Shen Yuntao delivered a concluding speech.

"This afternoon's seminar was very inspiring and moving."

Shen Yuntao said sincerely, "I heard real problems and real suggestions. These suggestions were not conceived while sitting in the office, but rather came from measuring with my feet, observing with my eyes, and thinking with my heart."

As he spoke, Shen Yuntao stood up and faced all the trainees: "I want to thank you all for your hard work over the past three months. You have not only improved yourselves, but also provided valuable first-hand information for the development of traditional Chinese medicine."

"The problems you raised do exist; the solutions you suggested are feasible. Relevant departments should study them carefully and come up with concrete measures."

Shen Yuntao emphasized several key points: "First, TCM hospitals must be true to the Chinese medicine tradition; this principle must be upheld. We need to formulate incentive policies to support TCM hospitals in developing their unique strengths."

"Secondly, folk TCM experience is a valuable asset, and we must establish a scientific and effective mechanism for its discovery and inheritance."

"Third, the integration of traditional Chinese and Western medicine needs to be deepened, and a truly integrated model needs to be explored. Fourth, talent cultivation needs to be reformed, and emphasis should be placed on practical experience and capacity building."

Finally, Shen Yuntao announced an important decision: "After careful consideration, all 28 trainees of the first Xinglin Competition Training Class will be included in the 'National Backbone Talent Pool for the Inheritance and Innovation of Traditional Chinese Medicine.' In the future, you will have priority access to scientific research project support, further study opportunities, and international exchange qualifications."

Thunderous applause erupted in an instant.

This decision means that these 28 trainees will become key personnel in traditional Chinese medicine who will be cultivated by the state, and their career development will enter a fast track.

Zhuang Qiwen, Yu Shiyun, and others were extremely excited. They knew that this was not only an honor, but also a responsibility.

The final part of the graduation ceremony was the presentation of graduation certificates.

Leaders and seniors such as Shen Yuntao, Wen Xiuping, and Chu Yiyun personally presented certificates to each student.

When Zhuang Qiwen received the certificate from Minister Shen, the village doctor, who had weathered countless storms, had slightly reddened eyes.

"Do a good job." Shen Yuntao shook Zhuang Qiwen's hand and said with a smile, "I hope you can shoulder the future mission of traditional Chinese medicine."

"I will certainly live up to the expectations of my superiors," Zhuang Qiwen solemnly promised.

As Yu Shiyun received the certificate from Wen Xiuping, Wen Xiuping smiled and said, "Yu Shiyun, your grandfather would be very pleased to see you like this today."

Yu Shiyun nodded solemnly.

All students received certificates.

Holding this thin certificate, everyone felt a sense of weight—it embodied three months of hard work, reflection, and growth.

The ceremony concluded with a recitation of "The Great Physician's Sincerity".

"When a great physician treats illness, he must first calm the mind and focus the will, be free from desires and wants, and first develop a great compassionate heart, vowing to relieve the suffering of all living beings..."

The solemn recitation echoed in the auditorium, as if traversing a thousand years of time and resonating with the original aspirations of contemporary medical practitioners.

After the ceremony, the trainees did not leave immediately.

They gathered together for a group photo, signed each other's certificates, and exchanged contact information.

Chen Yang was surrounded by the students.

"Teacher Chen, thank you for your guidance over the past three months." Zhuang Qiwen bowed deeply.

"Director Chen, without you, we wouldn't be where we are today." Yu Shiyun said, tears welling in her eyes.

Xia Hongliang, Zeng Yunhui, and others also expressed their gratitude.

Chen Yang smiled and said, "No need to thank me, it's all the result of your own hard work. Remember how you feel today, remember the experiences of these three months. Wherever you go in the future, keep this original aspiration and enthusiasm."

Just then, Gao Anliang walked over and said, "Director Chen, Minister Shen would like to see you for a moment."

Chen Yang arrived at the VIP lounge, where Shen Yuntao, Wen Xiuping, Chu Yiyun, and others were drinking tea.

"Xiao Chen, sit down."

Shen Yuntao gestured for Chen Yang to sit down and said with a smile, "Today's graduation ceremony was a great success, and you deserve a lot of credit."

"It's because the students are excellent, and Mr. Xiao and the others have also put in a lot of effort," Chen Yang said modestly.

"No need to be modest."

Shen Yuntao waved his hand: "The special training course is over, but the work has just begun. The construction of the new campus needs to be accelerated. As you just heard, the trainees put forward many good suggestions, and these should be reflected in the planning of the new campus."

Wen Xiuping smiled and replied, "Minister Shen means that he wants you to be fully responsible for the department planning, talent recruitment, and system construction of the new hospital area. The heavy responsibility of the Kyoto International Medical Center is entirely entrusted to you. How about it, are you confident?"

Chen Yang took a deep breath: "Thank you for your trust, leader. I will do my best."

"Good!" Minister Shen nodded in satisfaction. "The National Health Commission will issue a document on the specific arrangements soon. You should start preparing now, focusing on talent—the new hospital campus will double in size and will require a large number of outstanding personnel. We should try our best to retain the trainees from this special training program."

"I understand," Chen Yang nodded.